How to use a Traffic Film Remover
Written by: Vinnie van Rooij
Traffic film removers are specific products, designed to do a certain task. In this case the removal of traffic film. A product like this is not difficult in its use, but caution should be taken to prevent damage, stains or other unwanted results. This guide might not apply to 100% of the products on the market, but will give you a good starting point.
Contents
Why you want to use it
Traffic film removers offer a reasonably safe way of removing unwanted grime, dirt and other contaminants without any mechanical cleaning. The process is mostly chemical based. A traffic film remover does not do the full decontamination on its own, but it will remove enough to make the other jobs a lot easier. By not having to use a hard clay, or not having to rub it very hard, minimizes the risk of marring. Which in turns means there is less surface imperfection that needs to be corrected by polishing, which means you’ll remove less paint.
How to use a traffic film remover
- Spray on the surface
- Leave to dwell
- Rinse thoroughly
- wash with normal shampoo
Tips for use
When a TFR is used incorrectly it can leave stains that can be very difficult to remove. By not testing it out on a small area first, you can also risk damaging the surface of certain areas. Here are a few tips that might help you to prevent using this product incorrectly.
- Never use it in direct sunlight when its warm
- Never use it on a hot surface
- Always test out the product on sensitive areas before spraying the whole car (sensitive areas are: wheels, soft top, unpainted trim etc)
- Wear gloves and protect your eyes and skin
- Rinse very thoroughly, and wash with shampoo afterwards to completely wash away all of the residue
Common misconceptions
- TFR is not a substitute for claying
- TFR is not made to be substitute for shampoo
- TFR is not designed to be used on a weekly basis on the same surface
- TFR is replaceable with several other products (including clay), but it is easier with less risk of increased surface imperfections
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